2011 NBA Draft: Don't Be Surprised If the Timberwolves Take Brandon Knight

Is it possible that Timberwolves GM David Kahn will choose to draft yet another point guard in the upcoming draft?

While it's more than likely that Kahn won't screw this one up, and will end up drafting Arizona forward Derrick Williams, fans still have to be skeptical about Kahn's history and recent success, or lack thereof. What if Kahn decides to pull another one over on us and feels compelled to draft Kentucky combo guard Brandon Knight? Would you really be surprised? While it's still too early to tell, Minnesota might find a budding star scorer it desperately needs.

Let's be honest, Minny fans, if it weren't for the recent draft picks of Jonny Flynn, Ty Lawson, Ricky Rubio (plus the later-traded away OJ Mayo and Brandon Roy), and Randy Foye, Knight would be a pretty sexy pick. He's 6'3 with room to add weight as he grows up from his 19 year old frame...He's a proficient shooter, he's athletic, he's clutch, smart, smooth, and he's proven himself in college, more so than foil Kyrie Irving.

With Knight, Minnesota gets a young player who can score in many ways. He is a constant threat from beyond the arc, shooting 38 percent in his freshman season at Kentucky. He can penetrate and can wreak havoc around the rim, setting up teammates or finishing. He can pull up from mid-range and can create his own shots. At 19 years young and gifted with a vast array of skills and talents, he has plenty of room to grow into a volatile scorer in the NBA, reminiscent of a player like Dwyane Wade or Russell Westbrook.

When it comes down to crunch time, you've seen that Brandon Knight doesn't pull up like LeBron, proving himself on the national stage en route to the Final Four, willing his team to victories over North Carolina, Ohio State, and West Virginia...perennial powerhouses. How many 18-year-old's have the cold blood to shoot down national powers on the national stage? A huge emphasis was given to fourth-quarter scoring lately, and Knight can potentially become Minny's miniature Kobe, their new closer.

Another thing Knight has going for him is that he is well-coached. John Calipari-schooled point guards are proving to be quite adept at playing in the NBA, with the success of John Wall and Derrick Rose being taken into consideration on draft night. Calipari has a proven pedigree of putting talent into the NBA ready to play, and why should we expect Knight to be any different?

Knight is the smartest of all three, even if he's not the most athletic. He's a going to be a great player, a heady leader for team that needs help.

So, if tonight comes around and Minnesota does draft another guard, it's not the end of the world. It just means no playoff ideas for the next five to seven years.